GREENVILLE COUNTY, SC (WSPA) – The unofficial start of summer is here this weekend and many people are traveling to celebrate.
According to the AAA, thousands of people are taking to the roads. At times on Friday, it caused a bit of a backup in some upstate locations.
Taillights and long lines of traffic are what many South Carolina drivers said they saw Friday.
“Most people are out on Monday, so there will probably be a little more traffic volume,” said Master Trooper Mitch Ridgeway, South Carolina Highway Patrol.
“We’re thinking about going down to Atlanta and pestering a couple of our friends for some barbecue chicken,” said Greenville residents Lonnie and Marchette Swindell.
As people filled their tanks and headed to their destinations, officers reminded drivers that they will crack down on those who disobey traffic laws.
“There will be more troopers to be more visible and slow people down and we will be enforcing traffic laws across the state on Memorial weekend,” Ridgeway said.
Across town, the Berea Fire Department was busy having a backup of its own after a concrete truck overturned at the intersection of North Davis Drive and White Horse Road around 2:30 p.m. According to the Berea Fire Department, it was still filled with concrete. and weighed over 40,000 pounds.
“There was a small spill of some combination of liquids from the truck,” said Battalion Chief Mark Thomas, Berea Fire Department. “It was mostly water, but there was also some diesel, some hydraulic fluid and possibly some motor oil as well.”
A portion of White Horse Road near the intersection was closed as tow crews worked to lift the truck and crews cleaned up the mess.
After several attempts, the Berea Fire Department said the truck was eventually brought back into an upright position. All lanes of traffic were reopened on White Horse Road around 6 p.m
Before getting behind the wheel this weekend, officers said to stay safe and think twice.
“Just make smart decisions and it should be a safe Memorial weekend,” Ridgeway said.
Whether you’re traveling out of town for the holidays or plan to stay home, officers remind you to obey traffic laws by wearing seat belts, limiting distractions and following the speed limit.
AAA predicts 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend. It is an increase of 7% compared to last year.
